A suspect arrested in the brutal murder of 80-year-old Susan Williams in Roanoke has claimed that he killed her to "keep the peace," according to newly obtained search warrants.
The chilling statement came as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Officers responded to the 2100 block of Yellow Mountain Road SE early Wednesday morning, at approximately 5:13 a.m., where they found Williams outside her apartment building, suffering severe injuries to her face.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Court documents reveal that the suspect, 34-year-old Kurt James Davis, was found nearby, covered in blood, and later confessed to striking Williams multiple times with a rock.
When questioned by authorities, Davis reportedly explained that he killed Williams to "keep the peace," though no further clarification about his statement has been provided. Investigators believe the attack took place in the hallway of Williams' apartment complex, where Davis allegedly confronted and killed her.
Davis was arraigned on Thursday morning, initially charged with second-degree murder. However, Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell indicated that prosecutors are moving swiftly to elevate the charge to first-degree murder.
"Charging second-degree murder allows us to move forward with a first-degree charge without waiting for a preliminary hearing," Caldwell explained, emphasizing the speed at which the case is progressing.
The tragic murder has left the community in shock and questioning how Davis, who has a criminal history including prior charges for arson, burglary, and assault was allowed to remain free.
Davis had served time for a 2017 arson conviction, involving a Little Caesars restaurant on Brandon Avenue, and was released on supervision after completing his sentence.
"Nobody remains in jail forever in Virginia," said Caldwell. "He served his time and finished his supervision without issue. He paid his debt to society, and there was no legal reason for him to be incarcerated." However, Caldwell also acknowledged that there are concerns about repeat offenders slipping through the cracks in the justice system.
“The sentencing guidelines have changed in recent years to ensure fairness in the system," Caldwell stated. "But there may be a need for reform to address repeat offenders more effectively."
While any potential changes to sentencing laws would need to come from the Virginia General Assembly, Caldwell emphasized that tightening laws could help prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, Davis remains in jail awaiting further legal proceedings.
If he is indicted by the March grand jury for first-degree murder, his trial could move forward more quickly than initially anticipated.
Authorities have stated that Davis did not have a fixed address and they do not believe he knew Williams prior to the incident.
This case has raised serious questions about the balance between criminal justice reform and public safety, and it remains to be seen how the legal system will address the concerns raised by the tragic death of Susan Williams.